A base in Belfast city centre enabled us to reach out to people living, working and studying there during a two-year pilot project in partnership with Belfast City Council, the Public Health Agency and Ulster University.
The chance to borrow an e-bike from Cathedral Gardens Hub has enabled Chris McNabb to get back in the habit of cycling to work. Credit: Sustrans
Through various activities and events we delivered from the Cathedral Gardens Active Travel Hub, we were able to encourage a diverse range of people to experience alternative sustainable modes of transport for their short journeys and commutes.
Thanks to our support, Chris McNabb is now back on his bike, enjoying a National Cycle Network route for his journey to work as well as local greenways for weekend outings with his young family.
Great opportunity to test an e-bike
Chris said: “My first experience of Sustrans was when a group of colleagues and I went out on a lunchtime e-bike cycle from Cathedral Gardens Hub around the Cathedral Quarter and Titanic Quarter. We were given an introduction to e-bikes, how to ride and look after the bike and an overview of road safety.
“During this session, I learnt about the initiative for loaning out e-bikes so, several weeks later in the spring, I was back at the Hub to pick up my bike and equipment.
“I have been intrigued by e-bikes and this was a great opportunity to use one for an extended period to really test it out and see the benefits.
Good way to get back in mindset of cycling to work
“In the past, I have occasionally cycled to and from work, between Lisburn and Belfast, and I thought that the e-bike initiative would be a good way for me to get back into the mindset of cycling to work.
“Over the course of the two-week loan, I cycled to and from work several times. It’s a great route, predominantly along the Lagan Towpath (National Cycle Network Route 9). I also used the new greenway route that links the end of the Towpath at the Blaris Road in Lisburn onwards to the Halftown Road which is not far from where we live.
“This means that the 18-mile route is almost all on either greenway or Towpath cycle routes which is a superb and relaxing way to travel to work.
Cycle with son to play park
“In the evenings I was also cycling around our local country roads and at the weekends, my seven-year-old son Finley and I were cycling along the Towpath to the local play park in Lisburn and back again.
“Taking part in this e-bike initiative has regained my interest in cycling to work and I would definitely consider buying one in the future.
“I’ve always known about Sustrans as they are very active locally and I would also follow their work through their social media posts. As a Landscape Architect I have also engaged with Sustrans on some of my project work in the past.
“Sustrans do amazing work locally for all ages and sections of the communities and have played a key role in cycling promotion across the country.
Physical and mental well-being benefits of cycling
“I cycle because I’ve always enjoyed outdoor exercise and the benefits that it brings to physical and mental well-being.
“We have a great diversity of cycleways and greenways on our doorstep and our geography of closely located towns lends itself for great opportunities to cycle and enjoy the outdoor environment either on your own, with your family or as a group cycle.
“I find cycling to work particularly beneficial as it avoids the traffic, you get to enjoy some brilliant and diverse environments and it’s a relaxing way to end the day after work.
At the forefront of championing cycling
“I support Sustrans because they are at the forefront of championing cycling and cycle infrastructure locally - they are particularly helpful in all aspects of cycle knowledge and ensuring everyone gets the opportunity to get on a bike and enjoy the outdoors.
“I think there has been great work done in Northern Ireland over the recent years to encourage more cycling and to ensure cycleways and greenways are provided and improved - it would be great to see this continue and for some linkages between these routes to be provided.
“Some of the old / disused railway lines could be brought back to life as cycleways to further enhance the network locally."
Discover more National Cycle Network routes in Northern Ireland.
Find out if your workplace is part of the Leading the Way programme.
